The home of Rotary Zones 33-34

Ministries at First United Methodist Church

First Methodist is more than Sunday morning worship. Our calendar is filled with all sorts of programs and activities every week. Our church family is constantly busy doing the day-to-day work of Christian ministry. Volunteers are the heart of our ministry, and are always welcome!

Shepherds and You, the Flock

Many questions come to mind when thinking about shepherds and their flock. Let’s look at some of them.

· WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A SHEPHERD MINISTRY?

1. To establish a warm loving relationship with members and others who regularly attend our service.

2. To show that the church cares for every person in its care.

3. To be aware of prolonged absences and determine if there is a problem/need.

4. To be encouraging.

5. To help each individual feel welcome, needed and an integral part of the body of Christ.

· WHO ARE SHEPHERDS?

1. The Lord Jesus is our Good Shepherd and His example is followed by other shepherds.

2. Pastors/Ministers are the head shepherds of a congregation.

3. At First UMC we have a Shepherd Ministry with 21 shepherds currently overseeing small flocks.

· WHAT IS THE SHEPHERD’S JOB DESCRIPTION?

General duties include to: Love, serve, be an example, lead and equip.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

1. Keep in touch with their flock regularly.

2. Remember them with cards.

3. Relay specific needs to the Nurture and Care Ministry Team and to the Pastor.

4. Help when it is warranted.

5. Visit the ill/hospitalized and homebound.
6. Comfort and encourage.

· WHAT IS A FLOCK?

The church, the body of Christ, under His care.

A congregation made up of members and regular attendees under the guidance and care of a Pastor.

Small groups from those mentioned above who are under the care of a shepherd at First UMC there are 21 shepherds.

· WHAT DO LAMBS DO?

Some of them “stray;” decide the grass is greener in another “pasture.” (another church … or perhaps they just get out of the habit of attending.) Jesus went after those lambs. Our shepherds are to do the same.

Most will know the voice of the Good Shepherd and heed His call. Most will know the voice of Pastor John, hear his messages and apply them to their own lives. Most will know their personal shepherd’s voice and be grateful for their attention.

Lambs should call their personal shepherd when they have a need, a prayer request, or questions regarding anything in this article.

· DO I HAVE A SHEPHERD?

If you are asking that question and don’t know the answer, please call one of the Ministry Team.

Marci Propes … 983-2484

Emily Drake …. 983-7783

Odessa York …. 983-2842

PRAYER REQUESTS are given to Pastor John, put on the Prayer Chain, given to the Wednesday Morning Prayer Team, and prayed for personally by your shepherd ONLY WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE ONE GIVING THE REQUEST. OTHERWISE IT WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

In John 10 Jesus is telling a parable of the Shepherd and His Flock. In verses 3-4, referring to the one who cares for his sheep, Jesus says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

In verses 14-15, He refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, saying “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

That is our purpose and goal; to know Jesus as our Shepherd and encourage you to do the same; to know each of you by name, as He does; and to give ourselves in His service, to watch over you, His flock.